Bob Cooney

The Sixers have lost their last two games and are on the verge of losing their third straight game for the first time since November 23-26.

Sunday's overtime loss to the Kings was disturbing in many ways, and not because some members of the Sixers attended a concert the night before. There was very little execution at both ends of the floor. When the Sixers finally did get a lead, they couldn't hold it. They again gave up big baskets at the end of the game, something that appeared to be a thing of the past.

What also aided in the loss, and this can't be overlooked, is that Andre Iguodala is really struggling with his right knee tendinitis. At times he appears to be almost dragging the leg with him on the court. It especially showed on the degfensive end when his inability to stop Sacramento's Marcus Thornton on several trips down the floor late in the game.

Tonight, the Sixers will try to snap the losing streak, which is a monumental task. The Bulls, led by MVP candidate Derrick Rose, have won 12 of 13 and 14 in a row at home. Here are some keys for the Sixers in tonight's game.

*Play defense. The Sixers have given up at least 100 points in their past four games.

*Rebound. The most disturbing thing about the past two losses - to Miami and Sacramento - is that the Sixers got absolutely destroyed on the glass. Miami had 18 more rebounds and Sacramento 22. For a team that likes to get out and run, that's not good.

*Slow the game down. While the Sixers want to get out and run as much as possible, they'll have to convert when they do so that Chicago is inbounding the ball, not rebounding and running themselves. Also, Rose can fast break at any time, even off of inbounds passes. They need to get back on defense and slow the Bulls down.

*Get out on shooters. Opponents have been hitting an alarming number of three-pointers on the Sixers lately, making an average of over 8 in the past four games.